The extraction of natural gas through the controversial process known as fracking is no more likely to lead to contamination of ground water than other means of fossil fuel drilling, a study has concluded. It contradicts claims by environmental groups who have been trying to prevent the technique’s adoption in Britain.

Hydraulic fracturing is a method of mining for natural gas that enables the exploitation of previously inaccessible reserves. However, amid allegations that the intensive technique could pollute the water supply, or even in some cases cause earthquakes, it has attracted protests. Drilling in the UK, notably in Blackpool and Enniskillen, has been met by fierce local opposition.

The University of Texas study looked at three of the more controversial drilling operations in the United…